Iran 2002-2004: Saipa Pride & Paykan most popular

Production numbers are available for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 periods in Iran, giving a pretty accurate idea of which cars are the best-sellers in the country. The Saipa Pride, a 1986 Kia Pride in hatchback (Nasim) and sedan (Saba) versions, is the most popular model in the country with 206,263 units produced, up 51% over 2002-2003.

With 145,532 units produced in 2003-2004, the Paykan is not #1 in Iran, probably for the first time in 35 years! The Paykan is the iconic Iranian car, based on the 1966 Hillman Hunter, and produced by Iran Khodro since 1967. By 1972 nearly all cars in the country were Paykans and the streets are still filled with this model nowadays. More details on the Paykan here.

Paykan

The Peugeot 405 is #3 with 143,934 units (up 78%) ahead the Peugeot 206 with 60,465 units (up 75%). For its first full year of production, the first 100% Iranian car, the Iran Khodro Samand, comes in at #5 with 58,197 units.

Full 2002-2003 & 2003-2004 Production Ranking Table and more pictures below.